Here are some short reviews of entries in the Flint Film Festival:* "An American Opera" (U.S., directed by Tom McPhee). McPhee, a Detroit-area filmmaker, journeyed to New Orleans multiple times to make this documentary about the effort to rescue animals in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It provides an interesting look at a little-known part of the Katrina disaster. Volunteers (McPhee among them) came to New Orleans from all over the country assisted in the effort to reunite pets with their owners, many of the latter having had to leave their animals behind in the wake of forced evacuations. Some of the footage is heartbreaking, as when law-enforcement officials apparently are caught doing grave harm to animals. The story has a somewhat positive outcome despite the tragedies, and the film is worth watching to find it.

* "American Scary" (U.S., directed by John E. Hudgens). If you grew up watching late-night horror films on TV in the '50s, '60s and '70s, chances are you watched a local personality host those movies. This delightful documentary recaptures the nostalgic era through rare film clips, interviews with fans and, best of all, conversations with classic hosts such as John "Zacherley" Zacherle, Vampira and (especially known to Detroit viewers), the Ghoul. The 92-minute film could use a little editing, but given the wealth of hosts and old times to be relived, one can understand why the filmmakers sought to be as inclusive as possible. (Plays at 6:45 p.m. May 18, 9 p.m. May 19)

"It Came From Another World!" (U.S., directed by Christopher R. Mihm). A follow-up to "The Monster of Phantom Lake" (a success at the 2006 Flint Film Festival), this newly made parody of 1950s' science fiction/horror films shows up at the 2007 fest. Josh Craig reprises his role as uptight, pipe-smoking, guitar-strumming scholar/hero Professor Jackson. Craig plays him as intentionally wooden as the '50s grade-Z fantasy film acting styles allowed. The satire is pitch-perfect in this film about alien invaders from space. Watch it ... if you dare! (Plays at 6:45 p.m. May 19-20)

"Commit" (U.S., directed by Mickey Blaine). Two people meet in a coffee shop on what looks to be a blind date. Actually, this guy and gal have darker motives ... but first they have to get to know each other. This comedy-drama seems like a filmed play, with its sharp dialogue and lack of action, but it never makes us lose interest. Will these two people spend the rest of their lives together? Maybe ...

"The Garage" (U.S., directed by Carl Thibault). A '70s teen is stuck in a dead-end town working as a mechanic at his father's struggling garage. There's a nice girl to keep him around, but his best friend pressures the young man to make an important life choice. Although this sensitive coming-of-age drama moves a little slowly in spots, it's nicely done.

"Finding Kraftland" (U.S., directed by Adam Shell and Richard Kraft). Richard Kraft is a Los Angeles talent agent with some unusual hobbies. He's an obsessive collector of toys, food packages, Disneyland items and lots of other pop-culture merchandise. He travels the world to find the perfect roller-coaster, He goes on a Zero Gravity flight to experience the wonder of space travel. But what's most important to him is his love for his teenage son, who's more than a chip off the old block. The viewer of this colorful, quirky documentary will have to decide whether Kraft is pleasantly eccentric or annoyingly obnoxious, but there's no doubt that the man is an American original. (Repeats at 2:15 p.m. May 20)

"Detroit Unleaded" (U.S., directed by Rola Nashef). A young Arab American in Detroit takes the night shift at his cousin's gas station/convenience store to escape family pressures and spend time with the girl he likes. This comedy short, set in the odd netherworld of late-night consumerism, is an amusing way to spend 20 minutes.